Connor Wickham wants to repay the faith shown in him by Alan Pardew for allowing the striker to play in his preferred number nine position.

The 22-year-old forward made his Selhurst Park debut in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal, coming close to opening his account for the Eagles when his close range shot hit the post.

And the summer signing is eager to show fans what is capable in his favoured position.

“My focus is to get my football back on track and the main reason why I came here is to play,” said Wickham.

“It’s good that the gaffer has put faith in me to play the number nine role and that’s where I should be play.

“I never really got the chance at Sunderland, but I’m looking forward to what the future holds here playing in my natural position.”

After playing the whole 90 minutes on Sunday but being unable to get on the scoresheet, the England U21 international is hopeful he can start to convert chances when given the opportunity.

He said: “I felt once I got settled into the atmosphere, I gradually got myself into the game but we should have taken our chances.

“I keep goal targets quiet, but as a striker I am judged on goals.

“Players behind me such as Wilfried (Zaha), Yannick Bolasie and Yohan Cabaye will create chances for me and hopefully I can put them away.”

Palace will host Aston Villa on Saturday and Wickham is urging his team-mates to overcome the tough challenge of Tim Sherwood’s team and to seal the first home victory of the season.

He said: “There are no easy games in the league.

“But we have got the characteristics and strength in numbers to try and get the points.

“Villa finished well last year but we need to focus on ourselves and makes sure we are ready to collect the points.” 

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